~ About me
~

Since 2007 I have lived in Auckland, New Zealand, but my
heart will always be in Christchurch where I was born and bred. I work
within the heritage field as Collection Manager - History at Auckland
War Memorial Museum.

I am an avid genealogist and
taphophile having begun researching my family histories from the age of
14 which I thank my mother and aunt for spurring my interest. I have a very keen interest in things historical. My first ancestors to New Zealand were my GGGG grandparents John and Mary Ann [nee LAWSON] PAWSON who arrived in [Port Nicholson now Wellington] New Zealand in August 1840 and removed to Banks Peninsula in 1850. The last 'newcomer' to New Zealand - my grandfather from Wigtownshire, Scotland in 1926.

I have a love of Canterbury history/heritage with my Cantabrian ancestors GGG Grandparents Robert and Sarah [nee KITCHENER] EVANS arriving in December 1850 onboard the Cressy [their son
Richard, my GGG uncle was the second to last Canterbury Pilgrim to die and was a Patron of the Canterbury Pilgrims & Early Settlers Association]. The EVAN's family ended up populating both Christchurch and Rangiora.

Previously, I have held the position of Secretary/Treasurer of the Canterbury Pilgrims and Early Settlers Association [1999-2001] and am currently enjoying
having the role of voluntary researcher and facebook and twitter
co ordinator for
The Friends of Linwood Cemetery Trust
and humbly, now an honorary life member.